INMATE DRUG APPEAL LOST

The Drugs Misuse Act has again been thrown into question with a prisoner's conviction for supplying drugs to himself. The effects may be far-ranging, as some people allegedly found with illegal drugs may be charged with supply, which carries a higher penalty than possession.

In a 2-1 split decision the Court of Appeal yesterday refused to overturn the conviction of Paul Steven Maroney, 26, for supplying drugs in the Moreton Correctional Centre.

His appeal argued he had been convicted of supplying drugs to himself which carried a heavier penalty than possession. He was jailed for another two years and also appealed against that term.

At trial, there was little dispute that heroin was to be supplied to Maroney in a jail by a female friend. But the heroin was for no one except Maroney.

Justice Bruce McPherson and Justice Geoff Davies, dismissing the appeal, found that it was possible to be a party to supplying a drug to oneself.